Motion Recording Troubleshooting (VMAX® IP Plus)

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Affected Roles: Administrator, Owner

Software Version: VMAX® IP Plus v1.3.7.0 or later

Last Edit: July 29, 2024

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Motion Detection

When using a motion recording type for the VMAX® IP Plus, the system will seek out and record camera video when motion is detected by the camera. As motion recording is reliant upon the ONVIF communication between the camera and the NVR, it becomes a priority to determine where issues originate from when motion recording does not operate properly.

This article will outline some things to check on the VMAX® IP Plus and for the camera when encountering motion recording problems.

**NOTE: Motion detection can only be communicated between the IP camera and NVR if the camera has been added using the ONVIF protocol. Cameras added to the NVR using RTSP will not be able to utilize motion detection or motion recording.

Supported/Affected Devices

VMAX® IP Plus
MEGApix® Camera Series

Checking the VMAX® IP Plus

When encountering motion detection issues with the VMAX® IP Plus, here are some simple things that you can try:

Power-Cycling

Turn the system power off, then back on. If the VMAX® IP Plus does not begin to detect motion and record video, further troubleshooting is necessary.

Check Firmware Version

Default ID: admin
Default Password:

Right-click with the mouse and select Menu.

From the Setup Menu, click on System, then select Information.

From the System Information menu, check the Current Firmware Version of your VMAX® IP Plus.

To learn more about firmware management, please read Upgrading Firmware For A VMAX IP Plus.

Check Recording Settings

When using the VMAX® IP Plus, recording icons will appear at the top of each recording channel. You may check your system for these symbols to determine if the NVR is assigned to use a motion recording type.

To check the recording settings:

From the Setup Menu, click on Record, then select Recording Schedule.

From the Recording Schedule menu, make sure that the desired camera is assigned to either a Motion recording mode or one of the motion recording variants to utilize motion detection and recording.

Check Motion Area

When using a motion recording mode, make sure that the Motion Area is properly mapped so that the VMAX® IP Plus can

To set the Motion Area:

From the Setup Menu, click on Alarm, then select Camera Alarm.

In the Motion Area column, click on the Set button for the camera.

Make sure that the Motion Area is mapped out to meet your specifications.

Click on specific squares, click-and-drag, or click Select All from the control panel to highlight the zones that you want the system to watch for motion. If an area is not highlighted, motion detection is disabled for that zone.

Additionally, try increasing the Sensitivity setting of the Motion Area.

Click the Save button once you have finished mapping the Motion Area.

Checking the Camera

By default, Digital Watchdog’s IP cameras have motion detection enabled. This setting can typically be found in the Alarms or Alarm Configuration menu of the camera (varies by model). Connect with the camera’s web client to check these settings.

**NOTE: If the camera is connected directly to the integrated PoE switch of the VMAX® IP Plus and you are connecting using a web browser, please read Connecting With Cameras Through Virtual Ports to connect with the camera.

To access the web interface of the camera:
- Launch a web browser and enter the IP address of the DW camera.
- Sign in using your login credentials (the default username is typically "admin" and the default password is either "admin" or !A (lower case)).
To configure motion detection settings:
- After signing in, find the Setup or Configuration menu option.
- Locate Event or Alarm settings under this menu.
- Find the Motion Detection section within the Event or Alarm settings.
To set up motion detection areas:
- In the Motion Detection section, there should be an option to Add or Edit motion detection zones.
- Use the interface to draw and adjust the regions on the camera’s live view where you want to detect motion.
- You can usually customize the sensitivity and threshold for each defined zone.
To save the configuration:
- After configuring the motion detection zones, ensure you save the settings by clicking on Apply.
- Some cameras may need a reboot for the changes to apply.

Using ONVIF Device Manager

Cameras must be added to the NVR using ONVIF to utilize motion recording. If the camera was added using RTSP, motion recording will not be possible.

It is recommended to download and install ONVIF Device Manager (ODM) on a computer connected to the same network as the cameras.

This application is only compatible with Windows OS, but is a great tool for troubleshooting cameras.

To check camera motion issues with ODM:

After installing ONVIF Device Manager (ODM), launch ODM.

Enter the User ID and Password of the camera’s ONVIF profile, then click the Log In button.

Select the camera from the Device List, then click on Profiles.

Check the Secondary stream of the camera.

Select Video Encoder Configuration and locate the Resolution of the secondary stream.

Make sure that the resolution of the camera’s secondary stream is no greater than 720 x 576. If needed, this setting can be adjusted through the camera’s web client.

**NOTE: If the resolution of the camera’s secondary stream is 720 x 576 (or lower) and the camera’s motion detection is enabled, it is recommended to update the camera with its latest firmware version, then to default the camera. If motion detection issues persist, please contact Digital Watchdog Technical Support for further assistance.